[ACNS, by Gavin Drake] Churches serving the Jersey Shore area, in the US-based Episcopal Church’s Diocese of Central Pennsylvania, have united to carry out a series of community and environmental improvements. 

This week, 83 volunteers from 14 churches, including Episcopal, United Methodist, Presbyterian, Wesleyan and Assemblies of God congregations, gathered at the district’s Trinity Episcopal Church, which served as the “command centre” for the “Transform Jersey Shore” project, which was designed to “show and share the love of Christ by forming relationships with neighbours in the communities.”

The Rector of Trinity Church, the Revd Veronica Chappell, said that 29 projects were completed during the week, including cleaning, home repairs, building access ramps, demolition, drywall, yard work, painting and carpentry.

In addition to volunteers from the local churches, support came from the local Rotary charitable organisation, as well as 12 young volunteers from Jersey Shore Area High School who were completing a senior community service project.

Volunteers serve in whatever capacity they are able, working one or more days or the whole week. Each day begins with breakfast at 7 am before volunteers move onto the job sites until around 4 pm; with lunch being delivered to each site.

This is the second year that the Transform Jersey Shore project has been run. It has proved to be so successful that a date has already been set for next year’s project, which will also take place in August.

• This article was corected on 16 August to make clear that it relates to the Jersey Shore in Pennsylvania rather than the Jersey Shore in New Jersey.